YASG. Be Proud To Be You, But Others May Dislike It

There are a lot of young adults who are proud to be who they are: be proud of your race, nationality, sexuality, heritage, knowledge, and overall identities in this world. This is great! Remember though to be thoughtful, empathetic, and strong enough in your own identity to not feel attacked nor attack others when opinions differ. Instead, attempt to bridge the gap with grace, and know when to walk away.

Sexual Orientation Equality

I've heard a few young queers in my circle feel unfairly treated in regard to sexuality and identity. Initially, I must admit, I wanted more information but did feel a little upset at hearing this. Eventually, I realized in one situation of being told not to have a pride flag on display, that the high school asked all students not to have flags of any sort, nor any decorations in or on lockers. To me, this does not sound anti-LGBT: this is equality. Equality is to be celebrated! They did not disallow pride-filled items, and they did not give a special exception to allow them: they saw pride-items as decorations and said "we don't allow decorations of lockers." Equality like this is what I hope to see for LGBT individuals and groups.

That feeling of being attacked when told no is inherently youthful: it is normal and appropriate to feel that way; however, part of growing up is learning to recognize an attack on part of your identity and fight it, and how to recognize it is equality and/or the rightful answer and should be respected.

Racial Equality

There is a very common graphic I've seen that beautifully demonstrates what I see as "equality." The first frame shows three kids standing at a fence attempting to see a sports game or something beyond it. One child is tall enough to see over the fence easily, and the other two cannot. A second frame shows all three children standing on boxes of the same height. Two of the children can now see, but the shortest still cannot, and the tallest can see far more as he is raised even higher. A third panel has been added in some iterations where the fence is made to be seen through, and so all are on equal footing. The obstacle of sight is removed completely, making all see equally, and yet the physical barrier of the fence is safely in place. This final panel to me is a good example of equality.

Recognise When You Have An Unfair Advantage

There are so many obstacles for which white-appearing folks receive an automatic pass. There have been countless studies that show white people are less likely to be seen as "criminal" or "dangerous" whereas in the same setting a black or brown person is seen as "suspicious" or generally up to no good" or "dangerous." Why is this? A teenager walking down the sidewalk should not be assumed up to no good. The kid is walking, why be suspicious? Well, because he's a black kid walking through a white neighborhood. That's not okay! His race should not be suspect simply because you feel eh does not belong.

Similarly, as our society debates on allowing verus imprisoning sanctuary immigrants from Middle America and South America, why does no one bat an eye at european immigrants being allowed to keep their green card through multiple stints in jail for DUIs and other criminal activity, or coming to the US to play sports for large amounts of money? These differences, the angry discussions about brown hispanic people and what they "deserve" and the passive shrug at white europeans who come in through similar channels or chain-immigration: this is racist.

When You Can Safely, Call Out Issues

It's hard to call it what it is, but one thing should be easy to agree: racism is bad and rules should either not exist or be applied to all individuals, regardless of race and economic status. When laws are only enforced to some, a disadvantage becomes even more detrimental. When only poor neighborhoods are patrolled for personal amounts of cannabis, and white individuals in white neighborhood are given a warning for the same amount or more: no one wins, not even our tax dollars. When a white person is given a hard time during a traffic stop for being snarky and insubordinate, and a black person is shot before being asked for identification: this is racist.

We Can Improve, Together

One day, with much effort and togetherness, our society in the US may reach a point of racial equality. We are slipping farther from that point these past few years. No matter the reason why, the efforts to improve ourselves and our society shall best be served listening to each other's stories, fears, and situations.

Find Common Ground

When having hard discussions, remain empathetic and listen more than you talk. Find something you can agree on, spend a minute on it, and then find one small thing to disagree about that can be discussed. Tell a little of your side, and then ask for their side. Within the disagreement topic, spend small moments on minor agreements within the discussion. Repeatedly finding common ground can help a discussion stay civil. It reminds them that you value their thoughts and opinions, as you should, but also that disagreements aren't all you share with them.

Podcast. Code Switch

In a diverse country such as the US, sometimes we need to remember to celebrate and learn about that same diversity.

Keep Things Colorful

I've been really enjoying listening to the podcast Code Switch by NPR. In this podcast, journalist of color come together to discuss a wide variety of issues they have faced as journalists of color. Topics covered have included how various minority cultures in the US view outdoor activities, political agendas, and speaking up about racism.

Uncomfortable Conversations Lead to Growth

There are times I've been made uncomfortable while listening to certain topics; however, I think that may be a good thing. At times, hearing these topics discussed in depth has helped me gained a better understanding about where another person is coming from and going toward. I'll continue to listen to Code Switch, with the goal of catching up from the beginnings of this podcast, no mater how difficult the discussions can be.

podcast. I Hope They Hear This

Sometimes, you just have to let your thoughts out. That's exactly why David Shin created the podcast I Hope They Hear This.

Exciting Titles & Calming Monologues
David Shin has a calming voice and a lot of thoughts. When I found his podcast on Podcoin, I expected to be angry, prompted to begin fiery discussions about my thoughts after each episode. With episode names such as I hope Korean Americans Hear This and I Hope Trump Haters Hear This and I Hope People Who Think Hitler Was Evil Hear This, how could this podcast disappoint my want for opposition at times? I was awkwardly surprised at the intellectual monologues that crept through my headphones.

Shin adorably references his wife's critiques of his episodes on occasion, and works to make his episodes easier to follow as he experiments with his new found hobby. His opinions are well formed and often analytical, but need some time to explain. I found myself growing better understanding not only for his points, but also for the many possible sides presented by Shin. This is an amazing listen whether I agreed or disagreed with each point of discussion, and I look forward to hearing the many more episodes.


(Note: My referral code for Podcoin is Alir2jd5, if you feel so inclined. The previous links do not include my referral code.)

YASG. Young Adult Survival Guide

I've just seen a meme that said

"We need to make a new survival guide. Idk what I'm doing anymore." 

I agree wholeheartedly. We really need to help each other out in this sense. Each of us has something to add to this conversation, but we may each need help figuring out what it is. Send me an email or leave me a comment that tells me a bit about a topic you know.

What Can You Share?

Do you know everything about taxes, and can write a blog about the cliffnotes for those really drowning? Recently purchased a house and want to share all the tips you learned along the way? Do you interview for entry level positions and can write about the major "red flags" of old ways of narrowing down interviewees that often are just habits of our socially awkward generation? What are we as a generation needing to work on that you as an individual can spread fixin' knowledge about for the masses?

Already doing a blog about this? Let me know! I'll send people to your blog or site.

Drop me a line! I'm open and love to learn. Let's help each other and the next generation!